Rearrangeable magnetic spinning toy

ABSTRACT

The invention presented in this application is a novel, highly customizable, magnetic spinning device. The main components of the invention are a magnetic hub, numerous magnets, a bearing or similar rotation point, and a finger hold. These components may or may not be permanently attached to one another and may or may not be separate bodies. The main aspect of this invention is the magnetic hub. It is titled such not because it itself is necessarily magnetic, but because it provides positioning and support for the magnetic pieces allowing for customization.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of currently pending U.S. provisional patent application 62/513,273 entitled “REARRANGEABLE MAGNETIC SPINNING TOY,” filed May 31, 2017; and currently pending U.S. provisional patent application 62/530,016 entitled “REARRANGEABLE MAGNETIC SPINNING TOY,” filed Jul. 7, 2017—the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the fields of hand held amusement and demonstration of scientific principles. More generally this invention allows for quick and easy modification of the center of mass, moment of inertia, and geometrical structure of a rotating body.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Fidget toys are often small, hand held devices that offer the user a tactile experience. Some studies attribute fidgeting with beneficial effects including an increase of focus and attentiveness as well as serving to potentially counteract anxiety, ADHD, autism and distraction from bad habits such as nail-biting (Rotz, Roland, Ph. D, et al., The Body-Brain Connection: How Fidgeting Sharpens Focus, [retrieved on 2017-06-26]. Retrieved from the Internet <URL: https://www.additudemag.com/focus-factors/>).

Perhaps most popular among fidget toys is the fidget spinner; a device with a multi-lobed structure which spins about a central axis that the user typically grips between fingers. The structure is often lobed in appearance and has a center of mass coincident with the central axis. A centrally located ball bearing provides a low friction central pivot point also coincident with the central axis. The user spins, flips, grips, and otherwise plays with the device in any manner in which he or she finds entertaining.

Various versions of a fidget spinner exist, providing differing materials, geometries, number of lobes, colors, sizes, and weights. The variety in fidget spinner designs available reflects a wide range of tastes. However, the existing fidget spinners do not have a form that is easily modified.

As such, there is an existing need to provide a customizable fidget spinner to increase configurations that a user may interact with it to increase cognitive interaction, provide a platform for scientific exploration (e.g. classroom settings), support more creative use, and provide the ability to play with the device in new and exciting ways.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Certain existing fidget toys surround a “finger spinner” as disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 5,591,062 to Hettinger (“Hettinger”), incorporated in its entirety by reference herein. The finger spinner of Hettinger has a center dome structure surrounded by a skirt. However, Hettinger does not allow a user to easily hold the finger spinner between two fingers of the same hand, such as between a thumb and middle-finger. Hettinger requires a user to interact with the finger spinner with two hands while spinning the finger spinner with a finger of the same hand, such as a pointer-finger.

Other existing fidget toys, commonly referred to as a “fidget spinner,” include a central bearing located at the center of gravity of the device, and a multi-lobed body that rotates around the center bearing. This allows a user to pinch the fidget spinner between a first finger and a second finger, one finger on either side of the bearing of the same hand and further spin the fidget spinner around the central bearing using either the same hand or a second hand. The lobes of the fidget spinner are distributed around the body in a radially symmetrical fashion and axially fixed at regular intervals of separation from other lobes. Examples of fidget spinners found in the prior art are shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B below.

The present invention provides a reconfigurable spinning toy with a hub having attachment features that allow the attachment of an extension element in many different configurations. The reconfigurability of such a spinning toy supports and encourages creativity while interacting with the device. A user may configure the spinning toy in ways that are rotationally balanced or rotationally unbalanced with respect to the axis of rotation of the hub.

Certain embodiments of the present invention use magnetic fixation to radially affix extension elements to the hub, or magnetic fixation to affix a first extension element to a second extension element. In such embodiments, attachment features of the hub or the extension elements for attaching may be magnets, while the other may have ferromagnetic or paramagnetic content to provide magnetic attraction between the attachment features of the hub and the extension elements of the spinning toy, resulting in magnetic fixation. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that certain embodiments include both attachment features and appendages that have magnetic properties while in keeping with the spirit and scope of the present application.

Certain embodiments of the present invention comprise a hub having permanent magnets embedded, fixed, glued, or attached into or coincident with the perimetral external surface of the hub for interaction with extension elements.

It will be appreciated that a magnet produces a magnetic field that creates a pulling force on other ferromagnetic materials and attracts or repels other magnets. Magnets as used herein include, but are not limited to ferromagnetic materials including iron, nickel, cobalt and some alloys of rare-earth metals. It will be further appreciated that certain embodiments of the present invention use permanent magnets or electromagnets while in keeping with the spring and scope of the present invention.

It may be further desired, in certain embodiments, to allow the stacking of extension elements to provide increased reconfigurability. In certain embodiments, magnetic properties of the spinning toy allow the attachment of a first end of a first extension feature to the hub of a spinning toy, and the attachment of a first end of a second extension feature to the second end of the first extension feature. For instance, the north pole of a first magnetic extension element may be attached to a south pole of a second magnetic extension element. This allows for a wide range of combinations and reconfigurability.

Certain embodiments of the present invention have extension elements that comprise permanent magnets. It will be appreciated that some permanent magnets, such as neodymium magnets and samarium-cobalt magnets have material density similar to that of steel. Material density of steel is typically between 7.75 and 8.05 g/cm³ (4.48 and 4.65 oz/in³). Neodymium magnet density is accepted as 7.3-7.5 g/cm³ (4.22-4.34 oz/in³) and samarium-cobalt magnet density is accepted as 8.2-8.4 g/cm³ (4.74-4.86 oz/in³). In certain embodiments, the density of the extension elements is greater than the volumetric density of the hub. It will be appreciated that the higher the density of an extension element, particularly in relation to the volumetric density of the hub, the greater the change of center of mass and angular momentum of the spinning toy.

The hub may be made of aluminum, steel, composite materials, or polymer-based material. It may be preferred for the hub to be made from a material having lower density than the extension elements for purposes of increased angular momentum. Angular momentum, as appreciated to be expressed by the formula:

L=Iω

Angular momentum (L) for any given point mass is proportional to the moment of inertia (I) and angular speed (ω). The moment of inertia (I) can be expressed by the formula:

I=r ² m

Angular speed can be expressed by the formula:

ω=v/r

wherein (v) is velocity and (r) is the radius from an axis of rotation. As such, angular momentum can be reduced to the formulaic expression of:

L=rmv

For any given point-mass coincident with an axis of rotation, holding the mass and velocity at constant non-zero values, the calculation of the angular momentum results in value of zero. The further the same point-mass is from an axis of rotation, the higher the angular momentum it provides when in motion. In short, a point-mass further away from an axis of rotation has a higher angular momentum at a given velocity than the same point-mass closer to an axis of rotation. It will be appreciated that it is desirable for a spinning toy to have an increased angular momentum, without undue addition of weight. An increase of angular momentum provides increased kinetic energy associated with a given rotational velocity providing longer spinning time. This provides increased play-time with a spinning toy.

Certain embodiments comprise a hub and extension elements which are attached to the hub using magnetic fixation strategies. The extension elements rotate about an axis of rotation. The geometry of the spinning toy is highly customizable as the magnetic extension elements can be easily attached either to the hub or to one another in many unique geometries. The ability to rearrange the mass about the axis of rotation allows the center of mass, moments of inertia, and overall structure of the device to be changed quickly. It will be appreciated that each element as discussed herein may be manufactured from a variety of materials, through a variety of manufacturing processes.

These and other advantages will be apparent from the disclosure of the inventions contained herein. The above-described embodiments, objectives, and configurations are neither complete nor exhaustive. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the invention are possible using, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below. Further, this Summary is neither intended nor should it be construed as being representative of the full extent and scope of the present invention. The present invention is set forth in various levels of detail in this Summary, as well as in the attached drawings and the detailed description below, and no limitation as to the scope of the present invention is intended to either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this Summary. Additional aspects of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the detailed description, particularly when taken together with the drawings, and the claims provided herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A—Existing spinning toys within the prior art

FIG. 1B—Existing spinning toys within the prior art

FIG. 2—An exploded section view of an embodiment of a hub

FIG. 3—An exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a spinning toy

FIG. 4A—A perspective cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a spinning toy

FIG. 4B—A perspective exploded view of an embodiment of a spinning toy

FIG. 5—A perspective view of an embodiment of a spinning toy

FIG. 6A—Perspective view of an embodiment of a spinning toy demonstrating additional configurations of a hub and extension elements

FIG. 6B—Perspective view of an embodiment of a spinning toy demonstrating additional configurations of a hub and extension elements

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain embodiments of a spinning toy 1000, as shown in FIG. 2, comprises a hub 1010 having a ring-form 1030 such that a bearing 1020, such as a ball bearing, may be disposed within the ring-form 1030 to permit the spinning of the hub 1010 about an axis of rotation 1040. The ring-form 1030 has an internal surface 1031 and an external surface 1032. The bearing 1020 is held in place within the ring-form 1030 by way of mechanical fastener, interference fit, adhesive, welding, or other attachment means appreciated by those skilled in the art. Such an axis of rotation 1040 is typically, but not required to be, coincident with the center of mass of the hub 1010. It will be appreciated to those skilled in the art that a bearing 1020 allows for the rotation of a first portion 1021 of a bearing about a second portion 1022 of the bearing. A bearing 1030 further allows the rotation of a first portion 1021 of the bearing at a different rate than that of the second portion 1022 of the bearing. It will be further appreciated that a bearing as used herein refers to all rotational devices appreciated by those skilled in the art to provide reduced friction between rotationally moving parts. As such, a bearing may comprise a plain bearing, a ball bearing, roller bearing, a rolling-element bearing, a jewel bearing, a fluid bearing, a magnetic bearing, a flexure bearing, or any bearing or device allowing rotation between elements with reduced friction between moving parts.

A hub 1010 of certain embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 3, comprises a cylindrical shape having attachment features 1050 for the engagement of extension elements 1060. Such attachment features 1050 may comprise recesses, apertures, through-holes, blind-holes or external facets consistent with the perimetral external surface 1032. The embodiment in FIG. 3. comprises apertures for attachment features 1050. It will be appreciated that attachment features 1050 provide an engagement so an extension element 1060 mated with an attachment feature 1050 is constrained to the external perimeter of the hub 1010 so the spinning of the hub by a user does not result in disengagement of an extension element 1060. In certain embodiments, an extension element 1060 is constrained to an attachment feature 1050 by way of an engineering fit, such as an interference fit or press fit, while in keeping with the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Certain embodiments of the present invention comprise an engagement feature, shown in FIG. 3, which allows for the interaction between a first extension element 1060, having a first surface 1061 and a second surface 1062, and a second extension element 1060, having a first surface 1061 and a second surface 1062. In such an embodiment, a first surface 1061 of a first extension element is engaged with an attachment feature 1050 of a hub 1010. The first surface 1061 of the second extension element 1060 is engaged with a second surface 1062 of the first extension element 1060. Thus, the first and second extension elements 1060 are constrained to the attachment feature 1050. It will be appreciated that the engagement of a first extension element 1060 and a second extension element 1060 of certain embodiments comprise magnetic fixation, and some embodiments comprise mechanical engagement. It will be further appreciated that mechanical engagement as used herein surrounds mechanical engagement methods such as threaded features, engineering fit, and other mechanical engagement methods known to those skilled in the art, while in keeping with the spirit and the scope of the present invention.

In certain embodiments, a hub 1010, as shown in FIG. 3, comprises magnetic fixation features 1050 for magnetic fixation with magnetic extension elements 1060.

Certain embodiments of a spinning toy 1000, shown in FIG. 4A, further comprise finger holding elements 1070. Such finger holder elements 1070 are configured to interface with a second portion 1022 of a bearing to provide a user a higher level of comfort when using such a spinning toy 1000 while preventing user contact with a first portion 1021 of the bearing, or contact with the hub 1010. It will be appreciated that a first portion 1021 of the bearing rotates independently with a second portion 1022 of the bearing. Thus, when the hub 1030 is constrained to the first portion 1021 of the bearing, the second portion 1022 of the bearing rotates independently of the ring-form. In certain embodiments, the finger holder elements 1070 interface with the second portion 1022 of the ring form and prevents simultaneous user contact with the first portion 1021 and the second portion 1022. Such contact would interfere with the rotation of the spinning toy. Thus, the finger holder element 1070 provides increased comfort to the user, ensuring rotational movement of the first portion 1021 of the bearing around the second portion 1022 of the bearing without undue interference or resistance.

Some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 4A, comprise a finger holder element 1070 having an indentation 2010 for a user to place their finger. In such embodiments, each of the first and second finger holder elements 1070 further comprise a recess 2020 configured to mate with a finger holder attachment feature 1080, comprising a magnet, so the finger holder attachment feature 1080 is constrained within the recess 2020. It will be appreciated that the finger holder attachment feature 1080 may be constrained within the recess 2020 by way of interference fit, adhesive or other methods appreciated by those skilled in the art. In certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4A, the finger holder attachment features 1080 comprise a north pole and a south pole. A first finger holder attachment feature 1080 is disposed into the recess 2020 of a first finger holder element such that the north pole is directed toward the finger holder element and the south pole is directed away from the finger holder element. A second finger holder attachment feature 1080 is disposed into the recess 2020 of a second finger holder element such that the south pole is directed toward the finger holder element 1070 and the north pole is directed away from the finger holder element 1070. A first finger holder element 1070 can then be mated with a first side of the hub with the recess 2020 directed into an aperture 2030, and a second finger holder element 1070 is mated with a second side of the hub with the recess 2020 directed into the opposite side of the aperture 2030. Thus, the first finger holder attachment feature 1080 of the first finger holder element 1070 and the second finger holder attachment feature 1080 of the second finger holder element 1070 are attracted toward each other and constrain the first and second finger holder elements 1070 to the hub 1010.

In certain embodiments, a spinning toy 1000 (shown in FIG. 4B) comprises a first finger holder element 1071 and a second finger holder element 1072. In such embodiments, the first finger holder element 1071 comprises a raised feature 2000, typically resembling a substantially cylindrical element, having a first finger holder attachment feature 2002. The first finger holder attachment feature 2002 can comprise a female threaded feature. The raised feature 2000 is configured to be inserted into the aperture 2030 of a bearing 1020 from a first side of a bearing 1020. A second finger holder element 1072, further comprising an aperture 1090, is mated with a second side of a bearing 1020 such that the aperture 1090 of the second finger holder aligns with the aperture 2030 of the bearing, and is aligned with the finger holder attachment feature 2002 of the first finger holder element 1070. A second finger holder attachment feature 2005 is disposed through the aperture 1090 of the second finger holder, and mates with the first finger holder attachment feature 2002 of the first finger holder element 1070. Certain embodiments of the second attachment feature 2002 comprise male threaded features configured to mate with the female threaded feature of the first finger holder attachment feature 2002. It will be appreciated that a first finger holder attachment feature 2002 and a second finger holder attachment feature 2005, are not limited to the embodiments described and may comprise numerous forms appreciated by those skilled in the art.

While a hub 1010, as shown in FIG. 3 is cylindrical in nature with attachment features 1050 comprising apertures, a hub 1010 is not limited to such embodiments. There are many geometries which are capable of performing the same function. Furthermore, a hub 1010 may be constructed of a magnetic, paramagnetic, or non-magnetic material. Certain embodiments of a hub 1010, may comprise facets 2040 as attachment features 1050 as shown in FIG. 5. It will be appreciated that a hub 1010 may comprise a cylindrical form or a multi-faceted form, but is not limited to geometric forms as described herein. Furthermore, a hub 1010 may have any number of attachment features 1050. Referencing FIG. 2, a hub 1010 may comprise a perimetral external surface 1032 for a singular attachment feature, or may comprise a plurality of attachment features to allow the attachment of an extension element. Such attachment features keep the extension element stable with respect to the hub 1010. An attachment feature 1050 may comprise a permanent magnet, a paramagnetic material, or another means of stable contact.

Certain embodiments as shown in FIG. 5, comprise twelve attachment features 1050 equally distributed radially around the perimeter of a hub 1010. It may be desired, but not required, for a hub to have any number of attachment features 1050, permitting a high level of symmetry. As the number twelve has many factors, having twelve attachment features 1050 allows a high degree of symmetry about an axis of rotation 1040 and thus allows a high degree of customization. Although embodiments of the invention as described surround symmetrical placement of attachment features, it will be appreciated that embodiments comprising attachment features of certain embodiments are not symmetrically spaced while in keeping with the scope and spirit of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 3, a hub 1010 provides separation between extension elements 1060 and stability during rotation. It has a number of other functions (e.g. providing tactile interface, etc.) that have not been discussed in the instant application but will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that a hub 1010 as disclosed, need not be a separate and distinct body from a bearing 1020 as it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that attachment features 1050 may be integrated into the bearing 1020 itself.

Extension elements 1060, shown in FIG. 3, are demonstrated as having a cylindrical form. However, it will be appreciated that an extension element 1060 as disclosed may comprise any shape compatible with the invention. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that a plurality of different forms of extension elements 1060 may be employed in a singular embodiment of a spinning toy 1000.

FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B demonstrate two of many possible geometries, of certain embodiments, highlighting the customization of a spinning toy 1000 achieved by reconfiguring the location of extension elements 1060 about a hub 1010. While only two geometries are shown, a plurality of extension elements 1060 and attachment features 1050 permits for a large number of possible geometries.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present invention. Further, the inventions described herein are capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “adding” and variations thereof herein are meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, as well as, additional items. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A rearrangeable spinning toy comprising: a hub comprising a ring-form having a substantially cylindrical shape, and an axis of rotation; a plurality of attachment features consistent with a perimetral surface of the ring-form, perpendicular to the axis of rotation; a bearing having an axis of rotation and a central aperture coincident with the axis of rotation of the bearing; the bearing disposed within the ring-form such that the rotation of a first portion of the bearing rotates consistent with the ring-form, and a second portion of the bearing rotates independently of the first portion of the bearing; a first extension element having a first end configured to engage with the attachment features; and a second extension element having a first end configured to engage with a second end of the first extension element.
 2. The rearrangeable spinning toy of claim 1, wherein the attachment features comprise apertures through an external surface of the ring-form.
 3. The rearrangeable spinning toy of claim 2, wherein the extension elements are configured to engage with the attachment features with an engineering fit.
 4. The rearrangeable spinning toy of claim 1, wherein the first extension element is configured to engage with the attachment feature with magnetic fixation.
 5. The rearrangeable spinning toy of claim 1, further comprising a first finger holder element disposed on a first side of the bearing; a second finger holder element disposed on a second side of the bearing, wherein the finger holder elements are configured to rotate consistent with the second portion of the bearing.
 6. The rearrangeable spinning toy of claim 5, wherein the first finger holder element comprises a raised feature configured to be disposed within an aperture of the bearing from the first side of the bearing; and the second finger holder element configured to be affixed to the first finger holder element, thereby constraining the first finger holder element to the first side of the bearing, and constraining the second finger holder element to the second side of the bearing.
 7. The rearrangeable spinning toy of claim 6, wherein the raised feature comprises a female threaded feature; the second finger element having an aperture; and a finger holder attachment feature, wherein the finger holder attachment feature comprises male threading configured to pass through the aperture of the second finger holder and engage with the female threaded feature of the raised feature.
 8. The rearrangeable spinning toy of claim 6, wherein the raised feature of the first finger holder further comprises a recess configured to be disposed within an aperture of the bearing from the first side of the bearing; the second finger holder further comprises a raised feature configured to be disposed within the aperture of the bearing from the second side of the bearing, and the raised feature of the second finger holder further comprises a recess; a first magnet constrained within the recess of the first finger holder; a second magnet constrained within the recess of the second finger holder, wherein the first magnet and the second magnet are drawn toward each other constraining the finger holders.
 9. The rearrangeable spinning toy of claim 1, wherein the first end of the second extension element is configured to engage with the second end of the first extension element with magnetic fixation.
 10. The rearrangeable spinning toy of claim 1, wherein the first end of the second extension element is configured to engage with the second end of the first extension element with an engineering fit.
 11. The rearrangeable spinning toy of claim 1, wherein the engagement of an extension element to an attachment feature comprises magnetic fixation.
 12. The rearrangeable spinning toy of claim 1, wherein the attachment features are symmetrically spaced around a perimetral surface of the ring-form.
 13. The rearrangeable spinning toy of claim 12, comprising twelve attachment features.
 14. A rearrangeable magnetic spinning toy comprising: a hub comprising a ring-form having a substantially cylindrical shape; said hub further comprising an axis of rotation, twelve symmetrically spaced apertures extending through said ring-form, with said apertures extending radially outward and perpendicular from said axis of rotation of said hub; said hub further comprising an internal surface configured to mate with a bearing; said bearing disposed within said ring-form, said bearing having an axis of rotation and a central aperture coincident with said axis of rotation, with said bearing affixed to said hub with said axis of rotation of said bearing coincident with said axis of rotation of said magnetic hub; a first finger holder element disposed on a first side of said bearing, said first finger holder element having a first finger holder attachment feature; a second finger holder element disposed on a second side of said bearing, said second finger holder element having a second finger holder attachment feature; wherein said first finger holder attachment feature and said second finger holder attachment feature are configured to mate; and a plurality of magnetic cylindrical extension elements configured to mate with said plurality of apertures in said hub. 